They also said they didn’t expect to make a decision on whether to get into the race until after the state budget is done.

Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, noted Thompson hasn’t been on the ballot since 1998 and has flirted with various runs before, only to bow out in the end.

“I would imagine a couple of people really question if he’s in or not,” Fitzgerald said.

The speaker also agreed with his brother that both won't get into the primary for Senate. But he didn’t say how that decision would be made. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, could run without giving up his Senate seat while Jeff Fitzgerald would have to give up the Assembly seat.

The Senate leader said he’s focused on passing a budget and won't make a decision on a bid until after that’s done. Beyond that, he has no personal timeline for making a decision on a race that’s still 18 months away.

Scott Fitzgerald said Thompson’s entry into the race might not clear possible candidates like Mark Neumann and Ted Kanavas. But he said it would give anybody pause who’s thinking about getting in.

“Obviously, Tommy Thompson is more than just a formidable candidate. The guy’s name ID is more than just incredible,” Scott Fitzgerald said.

He added this weekend’s convention will likely be filled with buzz about the Senate race.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Madison, confirmed to WisPolitics.com that she was “looking seriously” at running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Herb Kohl. Baldwin promised a decision “by summer.”